The Portuguese gave the Red Devils hope of a heroic win against the Gunners but the battling draw was still a pleasing result for Ruben Amorim’s side
Manchester United exceeded expectations with a gutsy, battling display to earn a 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Ruben Amorim’s side ceded the ball to Arsenal and allowed them most of the chances but they took the lead through Bruno Fernandes’ sizzling free-kick on the stroke of half-time, the latest reminder of the captain’s talismanic quality.
United missed a couple of chances to double their lead, Noussair Mazraoui’s volley being brilliantly saved by David Raya and the goalkeeper also getting in the way of Joshua Zirkzee’s backheel. The Red Devils eventually caved in to the visitors’ waves of pressure when Declan Rice struck although they could have snatched the victory at the death, the colossal Raya just about keeping out a shot from Fernandes.
GOAL rates Man United’s players from Old Trafford…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (7/10):
Another decent showing after his heroics against Real Sociedad. Bailed Dalot and De Ligt out with a quick gathering. Made a fine finger-tip save from Odegaard and thwarte the Norwegian again at the death. Only negative note was his sloppy kicking.
Leny Yoro (6/10):
Needed treatment in the 10th minute and then had to take a tablet to continue before eventually coming off at half-time. Despite his physical struggles he made four tackles, winning them all.
Victor Lindelof (5/10):
Looked shaky on the ball and gave it away too often but knew his limits and made a couple of important clearances.
Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):
Recovered from an early scare and gave a crowd-pleasing performance full of big tackles and blocks.
Midfield
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Delivered some real excitement after the break with his volley at Raya and at times was United’s most advanced player. Loses a mark for not doing enough to stop Timber teeing up Rice.
Casemiro (6/10):
Looked surprisingly comfortable sitting in midfield for most of the game but then left Rice unmarked. Mugged Merino later on to tee up Hojlund.
Bruno Fernandes (8/10):
Sat deeper to help Casemiro out so had more of an orchestrating role than usual and yet provided the standout moment, notching his third goal in five games.
Diogo Dalot (5/10):
Nearly got in trouble when a clearance was charged down in the final third. It was not his only poor pass although he provided a positive flashpoint with his cross for Mazraoui.
Attack
Alejandro Garnacho (8/10):
A real handful for Calafiori throughout, his runs in behind keeping Arsenal on edge. Felled by Trossard to win the free-kick leading to the goal.
Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):
Provided little box threat despite being the centre-forward until his backheeled attempt. Couldn’t hold the ball up well, losing the physical battle with Gabriel and Saliba.
Christian Eriksen (5/10):
Largely uninspiring, predictably lacking the pace to create danger and couldn’t make the most of his usual passing quality.
Subs & Manager
Ayden Heaven (6/10):
Made his Premier League debut at half-time and didn’t look out of place, apart from when he handled in the area .before Rice struck
Toby Collyer (6/10):
Some exciting touches in the final third.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
Far too slow to shoot after Casemiro’s tackle had put a chance on a plate for him.
Ruben Amorim (7/10):
Given the circumstances he would 100% have taken this result before kick-off. It was a cagey but realistic gameplan and it almost paid off.